Emotional Detox and Letting Go the Past (part 2)

Emotional detox involves letting go of the past and releasing the emotions, beliefs, and experiences that no longer serve us. This is my story about how I finally let go of my past in order to fully embrace a healthy and happy future.

Letting Go of the Past

I was finally ready to release my past by going through all my old journals, photos and medical paperwork, with the intent to discard everything related to old trauma, fear, hurt, grief, despair, darkness, madness or illness.

Which, honestly was most of what I went through. So I gathered it all up, along with my courage, and prepared to let it go.

Burn, Baby Burn

Inspired by a cancer survivor’s story,I set up a ritual fire to burn all the paper based mementos of my painful past.I lit candles, I put on soothing chanting, andI grabbed my bottle of holy water (just in case!)

And then I brought over the bags filled with old journals, medical charts, and hospital admission paperwork etc. Lastly, I removed the trauma memories written on scraps of paper from The SCARY JAR and I sat before the fire place.

Full of intention and determination, I lit the fire, and said a prayer.

Then. I. Burnt. It. All.

As I did, I repeated this affirmation:

When I was done I found myself suddenly laughing!I don’t know what I expected, but not that!

I had both physically and symbolically let go of all that old trauma and drama.Wow.

Next, I took a hot shower with the intention that I was washing away any left over energetic residue of what I’d released in the fire.I let the water flow over me, cleansing me physically-emotionally-spiritually, before disappearing down the drain.

See ya.

Celebrating My Emotional Detox

After ritualistically letting go of my past I took myself out for a massage to celebrate my emotional detox: all that I’ve survived, and all that I’ve healed, and all that I’ve released.

I knew I’d done something both profound and powerful and I felt goooooood.

Later that night I briefly wondered if I really shoulda done that…

Going through that closet, and everything in it was definitely emotionaly charged.I had to do it little by little so as not to get overwhelmed, and even still I was a bit of a hot mess.

But I’m so glad I did it, not only because it enabled me to let it all go, but because looking over my past reminded me of how incredible I am, how strong and brave and fierce and self motivated I am. How smart and creative I am.

How WORTHY of a WONDERFUL life I am and always have been.

The Past as a Source of Hope

And I finally understood that my past isn’t something to shamefully hide in banged up boxes in a dark closet.Uh-uh.

It tells the story of just how far I’ve come, and how much I’ve overcome.It’s something to share because in sharing it I can inspire others who otherwise might not know just how much I’ve survived and healed.

Yeah. All that and here I am: happy, healing, safe, loved and telling my story.

By opening up about my past, I can connect with others who’ve been through similar things, and most importantly, I can offer them HOPE.

Emotional Healing is a Journey

Healing from my traumatic past is an ongoing process, requiring different approaches at different times, and a whole lotta support from loved ones and metal health professionals.

And it was a excellent reminder that holistic healing isn’t just about diet and detox.It involves the emotional and spiritual aspects of our being too.It includes facing our past, letting go, and intentionally choosing to create a happy and healthy future.

You’re worth it too. You are also WORTHY of a WONDERFUL life, and always have been.

Self worth & hugs,

P.S. Have you even done anything to symbolically or ritually let go of your past? Is your past a source of shame, or inspiration? If you can relate to anything from my story…

“Letting go of the past, is like opening the flood gates of healing to be set free.” ~ Quote by Asa Don BrownDid you enjoy this post on Emotion Detox and Letting Go of the Past? Then subscribe to my newsletter and never miss a post! And for everyday wellness tips and inspiration be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.

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I too think a good clean out and specifically fire is a good way to release negativity! I am fortunate enough to live in the country and can have a BIG fire ever so often! Good for you for being brave enough to let those things go, it’s not always easy.

Thanks for much for reading Ginger. And I agree, this experience released so much negativity from my past (and therefore also my present). I also count myself fortunate that I can have a fires. There’s just something about ritually burning stuff! Xx Kat

Hi Allie, thanks for reading! Well, as I shared, this was something I’d been putting off for a long time too. I finally started it when I recognized that there was emotional stuff that was spilling over into my life, and that needed addressing. I trust the timing on these things. Then I sorta jumped in, so it wasn’t like I prepared for it. However, if you know what kind of activities feel loving and self-soothing, I recommend “bookending” any emotional detox work with those activities. For me that might look like: talking a meditative walk in nature before sorting papers, and then taking a bath with calming essential oils afterwards. I also let Wonderhubs know what I was taking on and that I might need more emotional support. Having someone you can check in with can be helpful. Xx Kat